How many justices serve on the Supreme Court?

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The Supreme Court of the United States is composed of nine justices. This number has been established since 1869, when Congress set it as part of the Judiciary Act. The Supreme Court serves as the highest court in the federal judiciary, and the nine justices include one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. Their role is to interpret the Constitution and federal law, hearing cases that have significant legal implications.

Establishing a specific number of justices helps maintain a balance within the court and ensures that decisions are made with a diverse array of perspectives. Since 1869, the number has remained stable, and any changes would require legislation passed by Congress.

The other options present numbers not currently applicable to the U.S. Supreme Court structure. Therefore, the choice of nine is both historically consistent and accurate regarding the current composition of the court.